Saint Kevin
The Elders Lyrics


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Saint Kevin walks down the path
See a sign for Lynhams Pub and Glendalough this way
He steps in with caution look around
The boys from Clara Lara just in from bailing hay

He seated in the corner sipping a drop of the black stuff
And whiskey they beckon him a cheers
In steps Tony Murphy and with a smile they tip a glass
He tells him of the years

They come from all the Nations to hear your story told
Like the fog that curls around the hills
Life and death they do behold
Your words still speak of promise
Forever they will flock
The valley, the tower, the church and the lakes
The vale of Glendalough

Young Murphy tells Kevin of the legends
Father Cronin always said an angel child was he
The truth is all written in Acta Santorum
Let's have another glass and I'll drink a pint with thee

We talked on into the night, the barman said it's time me lads
So we stepped out in the cold
In the moonlight as the rain was lashing down
They danced a merry jig with ghosts of old

They come from all the Nations to hear your story told
Like the fog that curls around the hills
Life and death they do behold
Your words still speak of promise
Forever they will flock
The valley, the tower, the church and the lakes
The vale of Glendalough

Oh what a sight, this valley is enchanted land
Oh what a dream, the people really care
Oh where am I? Give us a glass of the black stuff
We'll walk the misty road and say a prayer

Your words still speak of promise
Forever they will flock




The valley, the tower, the church and the lakes
The vale of Glendalough

Overall Meaning

The song, Saint Kevin by The Elders, conveys the story of Saint Kevin and the fame he received for his religious leadership and intervention, depicted through his interactions with the locals of Glendalough. As Saint Kevin walks into Lynhams Pub, he is greeted by the boys from Clara Lara, who invite him to join them in a toast with whiskey, and Tony Murphy tells him of the legends Father Cronin shared with him about an angel child, which is written in Acta Santorum. The song describes Saint Kevin's popularity as many people come from all around the world to hear his story and his promises, which unfolds through the lyrics that say 'Life and death they do behold. Your words still speak of promise, Forever they will flock. The valley, the tower, the church and the lakes The vale of Glendalough'.


The song captures the essence of Saint Kevin, his impact on the people, the beauty of Glendalough, and the emotional connection people have with the place. The valleys, towers, churches and lakes of Glendalough are depicted as an enchanted land with people who truly care. In the end, the song encapsulates the essence of Irish folk culture, music and storytelling, as the locals in the song dance a 'merry jig with ghosts of old', portraying the celebration of Irish history through progressive and contemporary music.


Line by Line Meaning

Saint Kevin walks down the path
Saint Kevin takes a walk.


See a sign for Lynhams Pub and Glendalough this way
A sign pointing towards Lynhams Pub and Glendalough is visible.


He steps in with caution look around
Saint Kevin enters with caution and observes his surroundings.


The boys from Clara Lara just in from bailing hay
A group who recently worked hard on a farm in Clara Lara are at the pub.


He seated in the corner sipping a drop of the black stuff
Saint Kevin sits in the corner and enjoys some beer.


And whiskey they beckon him a cheers
Someone at the pub toasts to Saint Kevin with whiskey.


In steps Tony Murphy and with a smile they tip a glass
Tony Murphy enters the pub, greets Saint Kevin with a smile, and has a drink.


He tells him of the years
Tony Murphy talks about the past with Saint Kevin.


They come from all the Nations to hear your story told
People from different countries come to listen to Saint Kevin's story.


Like the fog that curls around the hills
The listeners are like the fog that envelops the hills.


Life and death they do behold
The listeners are aware of the realities of life and death.


Your words still speak of promise
Saint Kevin's words offer hope and optimism.


Forever they will flock
People will always come to hear Saint Kevin's story.


The valley, the tower, the church and the lakes
The listeners are interested in Glendalough and its famous places.


Young Murphy tells Kevin of the legends
Young Murphy shares some legends with Saint Kevin.


Father Cronin always said an angel child was he
Father Cronin told the story of Saint Kevin being an angel child.


The truth is all written in Acta Santorum
The real story is written in Acta Santorum.


Let's have another glass and I'll drink a pint with thee
Young Murphy and Saint Kevin have another drink together.


We talked on into the night, the barman said it's time me lads
The conversation went on until the barman said it was closing time.


So we stepped out in the cold
They left the pub and went outside into the cold.


In the moonlight as the rain was lashing down
It was raining heavily in the moonlight outside.


They danced a merry jig with ghosts of old
Saint Kevin and the others did a jig while imagining spirits of the past dancing with them.


Oh what a sight, this valley is enchanted land
Glendalough is an enchanting place with beautiful sights.


Oh what a dream, the people really care
The people of Glendalough are caring and kind.


Oh where am I? Give us a glass of the black stuff
Saint Kevin requests for more beer.


We'll walk the misty road and say a prayer
They will take a walk and say a prayer together.


Your words still speak of promise
Saint Kevin's words still give hope and optimism.


Forever they will flock
People will continue to come to hear Saint Kevin's story.


The valley, the tower, the church and the lakes
Listeners remain interested in Glendalough's popular landmarks.


The vale of Glendalough
The song refers to Glendalough as a valley or vale.




Contributed by Oliver E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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